Scandal in Parliament over the Chios tragedy: Minister for Migration took the side of the coast guard

Meeting Greek Parliament began with an acute political confrontation around tragic incident off the coast Chios. Minister for Migration Thanos Plevris defended the border security policy, supporting the actions coast guard and criticizing the opposition’s position.

According to the minister, what happened “shows the fight against criminal networks involved in the illegal transportation of people.” He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the Limeniko employees, who, in his words, “protect the borders and save lives.”

“I want to congratulate the men and women of the Coast Guard. Yesterday they rescued 24 people. This was done not by so-called professional humanists, but by Limeniko employees who are doing their duty. The criminals are carriers who put 40 people in an eight-meter-long boat and deliberately directed it towards a patrol boat.”said Plevris.

The Minister stressed that he trusts the official statement of the coast guard, adding: “I believe Limeniko. The opposition can trust the carriers.”

Opposition position

Opposition parties sharply criticized such rhetoric. PASOK representative Dimitris Mantzos stated that the investigation should not be limited to press releases and comments by the minister.

“The Minister of Shipping should come to Parliament Vasilis Kikilias and give comprehensive explanations,” – he emphasized.

A representative of SYRIZA made a similar demand Christos Giannoullisand a deputy from the Freedom Course party Alexandros Kazamias criticized Plevris for hasty praise for Limeniko.

Criticism from other parties

Representative of the Communist Party of Greece Nikos Karafanasopoulos noted that there are still numerous unanswered questions about the causes of the tragedy.

Deputy from “Greek Solution” Kostas Hitas named what happened “tragic event” And “a failure of government.”

In turn, the representative of the “New Left” Siya Anagnostopoulou stated that the incident was “a difficult day for the country” and demanded a personal report from the Minister of Shipping in Parliament.

Political background

Against the backdrop of the tragedy, the government intends to promote a bill on tightening of criminal liability for organizing the illegal transportation of migrants.

At the same time, the opposition insists on holding a full parliamentary investigation with the participation of relevant ministers and independent experts.

Thus, the Chios tragedy is gradually turning not only into a subject of investigation, but also into a factor in acute internal political struggle.

Editorial comment

What works now (in fact, not according to press releases): in Greece, penalties for illegal transportation of migrants are already extremely tough today, so statements about “tightening” often sound like political rhetoric.

• 1) Basic article: transportation of migrants
  If it is proven that a person organized or carried out the crossing:
  – from 10 years in prison
  – large fine (usually tens of thousands of euros)
  And this can be considered per person.
• 2) If there are several people
  When there are 30–40 people on the boat (and this is almost always the case), the logic of the court is simple: counting heads.
  Formally it looks like 10 years × number of migrants.
  On paper they can “count” 200–400 yearsthen they “bring it together” in a real time frame, but still we are often talking about 20–25 yearsand sometimes about lifelong.
• 3) If there are dead
  As in the story with Chiosqualifications are added: causing death, dangerous maneuvers, life threat, participation in an organized group.
  In such cases lifelong becomes a very real outcome – and without any new “reforms”.
• 4) If there is a weapon, ram, escape
  Automatically turn on aggravating signs, sometimes in wording about terrorization And threat to state security – and the deadlines “fly into space.”

So why “tightening” then? This is where politics begins. Because There’s almost nowhere to toughen it up anymore: the laws are already strict, and the deadlines are prohibitive.

Therefore, by “tightening” they often mean not “even more years”, but fewer procedural options:

• accelerated procedures
• fewer opportunities to appeal
• simplified confiscation
• expansion of police powers
• rapid expulsion

The main paradox: on paper – one of the toughest regimes in EU. In reality – routes are workingboats are moving, tragedies are repeating, business is alive.

Because the fear of prison doesn’t work well when a person poor, without documents, no prospects and often under the control of criminal networks. Whether he is 10 years old or 20 doesn’t matter anymore.

The result without illusions: yes, we can really talk about 10–12 years per personO tens of years per flightAnd lifelong not uncommon in severe cases. Therefore, “tightening” more often looks like a measure for TV.

The problem is not the laxness of the laws. The problem is that the system often catches those who holding the steering wheeland not those who holds the cash register.

Source link